What does the term 'expedited removal' refer to in immigration law?

The term 'expedited removal' in immigration law specifically refers to a rapidly implemented deportation process for certain aliens, typically those who are found to be inadmissible at or near a port of entry. Under this process, immigration officials can swiftly remove individuals from the country without the lengthy formal hearings that would typically accompany a removal order. This is designed to streamline the deportation process for certain cases, significantly reducing the time and resources required for handling those who attempt to enter the U.S. unlawfully or without valid documentation.

In this context, the emphasis is on the efficiency and immediacy of the removal procedure, which is applied under specific legal criteria. For example, it often applies to those who have recently arrived in the country and do not have a credible fear of persecution should they be returned to their home country. This legal framework balances the need for swift enforcement of immigration laws with the rights of individuals to seek asylum or contest their removal in more complex circumstances.